To kick off the activities of the Social Development Month, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini will on Wednesday, 5 October 2011 launch the Limpopo Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in Polokwane.
The Minister will be accompanied by dignitaries including the Deputy Minister of Police Ms Maggie Sotyu, European Union (EU) Ambassador Mr Roeland van Geer, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Representative Mr Mandiaye Niang, Premier of Limpopo province Mr Cassel Mathale, MEC for Health and Social Development Ms Dikeledi Magadzi and Executive Mayor of Polokwane Mr Freddy Greaver.
Khuseleka One-Stop Centre provides all required services for women and children victims of violence such as trauma counselling and psychosocial support, health care, police services, legal assistance, shelter services to name a few. The name ''Khuseleka'' is derived from the Zulu word which means protection. The centre will be open 24 hours for service.
The Khuseleka Model is a multi-sectoral approach being implemented by the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the UNODC and EU under the Victim Empowerment Programme. Other key government departments and institutions include the Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development, Health, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), South African Police Services and civil society organisations. Adapted from existing models, Khuseleka stands as a good example of a partnership between government, development agencies and civil society organisations in the country.
''The Khuseleka One-Stop Centre is a ground-breaking initiative of the Department of Social Development undertaken with support from the UNODC and EU to address crimes such as domestic violence, rape, human trafficking and sexual harassment. These crimes have long term impact on victims. The centre aims to provide integrated services and represents a unique partnership between the Government of South Africa and the European Union'', said Minister Dlamini
The Khuseleka One-Stop Centre represents the first of many that will be set up in all of the nine provinces.
As part of the day's proceedings the department and UNODC will launch the Everyday Heroes, a flagship project that seeks to raise general public awareness about the negative impact of violence against women and children including domestic violence, human trafficking, child sexual abuse, abuse of the older persons, people with disabilities and sexual assault. The booklet comprises of six sets of cartoon stories on victim empowerment-related topics and available services.
The day will culminate in the handover of certificates to a group of graduates who underwent training on victim empowerment trauma counselling. Volunteers are critical in staffing the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre and supplementing the skills of professional staff.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event as follows:
Date: 5 October 2011
Time: 9h00 to 15h00
Venue: Polokwane Welfare Complex, Limpopo Province
NB: The Minister and the UNODC Representation will host a media briefing on current and future plans for the Victim Empowerment Programme
RSVP:
Jaconia Kobue
Cell: 082 313 4673
Sophy Sekole
Cell: 082 768 9909
Enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
Joe Maila
Cell: 082 887 3581
